Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, Inc.

Transcription

1 Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, Inc. Members Guide Annual Meeting of Association members, 7 Board of Directors, 6 Building Setbacks, 8 BY-LAWS, 3 CONSTITUTION, 2 Constitution & By-Laws (1968), Amendment A (1989), 2 Docks, Mooring Permits, 8 Dog Ordinance, 8 Dues Distribution and Use, 8 Election and Appointment of Directors and Officers, 7 EXHIBIT A (KNOWN AS AMENDMENT A), 5 Gates, 8 General Information, 7 Maple Grove Allotment, 2 Meetings, 7 New Construction, Additions, Decks, Pools and Spas, 8 Private Property Rights, 8 Recreation Area, 9 Signage Guidelines, 9 Summary of the management by and duties of the officers, 6 Trailers and Recreational Vehicles, 9 This guide was developed for use by members of the Association. Members are property owners in the Maple Grove Allotment, which is part of C.E. Meyers and Pearl I. Meyers subdivision, located along Pymatuning Lake in North Shenango Township, Crawford County, Pa. As a member of the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association you enjoy access to your property via private roads. Members, and their guests, also have private access to Pymatuning Lake. The Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, Inc. was formed as a corporation in 1968 by the Maple Grove Allotment property owners. It was amended in These documents serve as the basis for maintaining and preserving the Association properties and environment. Some details of the original agreement have been modified over the years with membership approval. Please see the the Constitution and By-Laws 1968, Amendment A 1989 page for the full text of our membership agreements. From Amendment A, Item 9 of the Constitution and By-Laws: "All lots in the C.E. Meyers and Pearl I. Meyers Subdivision of lots agree that they, their heirs and assigns forever, shall be members of the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, which has charge of the roads and park in the Subdivision, and that each lot owner/member shall pay annual dues and assessments to said Association.." This guide is intended to provide summary information relating to the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association and its operations. Please note that some Association Constitution & By-Laws and Amendment A practices have been changed or modified over the years with Board or membership approval, as appropriate (i.e., annual meeting date, dues amount), or superseded by Township code. The Sunset Knolls Recreation Association was founded by membership approval and registered as a corporation in the State of Pennsylvania in 1968 (identification number ), the same year that the Constitution and By-Laws become official. The Constitution and By-Laws were amended in 1989 with Amendment A. Since then, many items have been amended via membership approval and/or superseded by Township code. The Constitution and By-Laws as well as Amendment A may be amended, altered, or appealed by a two-thirds vote at any annual meeting providing the proposed changes are filed in writing with the Board of Directors at least 30 days before the meeting. 1

2 In brief, per the Constitution and By-Laws, which has a term of existence as perpetual, the primary purpose of the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, Inc. is: To discuss and take action upon questions that affect its members; To hold title to and regulate the use of the private recreation park within the Maple Grove Allotment for the benefit of its members, and: To maintain, repair and regulate the use of the private streets, roadways and lanes in said allotment until such time, if ever, such streets, roadways and lanes are conveyed or dedicated to (and accepted by) North Shenango Township. Note: The roadways, recreational area and lake access gates/lanes are private and are to be used by members and their guests only and are posted accordingly. Mail, service and delivery vehicles are permitted, along with persons who are viewing available properties. Maple Grove Allotment The Maple Grove Allotment is located along Pymatuning Lake in North Shenango Township, Crawford Township, Pennsylvania. It is comprised of the owners of approximately 40 properties who are members of the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association. The road right-of-ways are Association property. Any use or modification of the right-of-ways must have Association approval by the Board of Directors or Association membership, depending on the situation. Any special requests such as signage, trimming of bushes or trees, etc. must be approved. Clover Lane, Oak Lane and Fairlawn Lane each have a 36 foot right-of-way. Sunset, Apple and Hemlock Lanes each have a 20 foot road right-of-way. The yellow dots or marks located on Oak, Clover, Fairlawn and Sunset Lanes represent the center of the original Association road right-of-ways as determined by Association members utilizing a transit (2013). Constitution & By-Laws (1968), Amendment A (1989) CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 1 Name, Purpose and Term: Section 1. This corporation shall be known as the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, Inc. and that said name has been registered with the Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Section 2. The purpose or purposes of the corporation are: (A) To discuss and take action upon questions that will affect its members; (B) To hold title to and regulate the use of the private recreation park within the Maple Grove Allotment for the benefit of its members and to maintain, repair and regulate the use of the private streets, roadways and lanes in said allotment until such time, if ever, such streets, roadways and lanes in said allotment are conveyed or dedicated to (and accepted by) North Shenango Township; (C) To purchase, lease, hypothecate, receive, take and hold by gift, lease, grant, devise or bequest, both real and personal property in trust or otherwise; (D) To care for, use, operate, improve, develop, sell, lease, convey, or otherwise dispose of such property; (E) To do all the things necessary to accomplish the aforesaid general purposes and to do all other things, engage in and do any lawful acts concerning any and all lawful business for which corporations may be incorporated under the Non-Profit Corporation Law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 2

3 Section 3. The term of its existence is perpetual. ARTICLE II Membership Section 1.The members of the Association shall consist of the property owners in the Maple Grove Allotment, North Shenango Township, Crawford County, State of Pennsylvania, as shown by the record plat of said allotment in the office of the recorder or Crawford County, Pennsylvania. ARTICLE III Dues Section 1. Annual dues shall be as prescribed in the by-laws. ARTICLE IV Amendments Section 1. This constitution may be amended, altered or repealed by a two-thirds vote at any annual meeting providing the proposed changes are filed in writing with the secretary and other officers and directors at least 30 days before the meeting. BY-LAWS ARTICLE I DUES Section 1. The annual membership dues shall be decided annually by the Board of Directors but shall not exceed $20.00 per year for property owners having improved lots and $10.00 per year for property owners having vacant lots. (For the first year, annual dues of $5.00 for voting member.) Section 2. The annual dues shall be payable at the start of the fiscal year of the Association. Section 3. Members who are in arrears as of June 1 st of the following year shall be dropped from the membership list Section 4. A member so dropped may be reinstated by payment of one year s delinquent dues plus the dues for the current year ARTICLE II BOARD OF DIRECTORS Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the Association and four members-at-large from the membership. Section 2. The members-at-large shall hold office for two consecutive years ARTICLE III OFFICERS Section 1. The officers of the Association shall be a president, vice-president, a secretary and a treasurer. Section 2. All officers shall hold office for one year. ARTICLE IV ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS Section 1. The president shall appoint not later than the first of June each year a Nominating Committee of at least three members to prepare a slate of two nominations for each director and officer to be elected. Section 2. In addition, nominations may be made from the floor after the report of the Nominating Committee. 3

4 Section 3. The election of directors and officers will be held at the annual meeting. Section 4. All officers shall be elected except the secretary who will be appointment by the President. Section 5. Directors and officers shall take office at the beginning of the fiscal year. Section 6. In order that all terms do not terminate at the same time, two of the members-at-large on the Board of Directors shall be elected each year. ARTICLE V MANAGEMENT BY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1. The general affairs of the Association shall be managed by the Board of Directors under the general provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws. Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have charge of the funds, policies and property for which they shall be responsible to the ownership of the Association. Section 3. The President shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Association under the direction of the Board of Directors. He shall preside at the meetings of the Association and act as chairman of the Board of Directors. He shall be ex officio member of all committees. Section 4. The Vice=President shall preside at all meetings at which the President is absent. Section 5. The Secretary shall record the proceedings of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Association. He shall certify the accuracy of bills which are to be paid by the Treasurer. He shall conduct the correspondence of the Association and keep full records. The Secretary will make a post yearly a list of all paid-up members. Section 6. The Treasurer shall collect all dues and pay all bills when they are approved by the Board of Directions. The Treasurer shall make an annual report to the Association at the annual meeting. Section 7. All vacancies except that of the Secretary shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the Board of Directors. Section 8. No officer or director shall receive, directly or indirectly, any salary or compensation from this Association, either as an officers or in any other capacity. Section 9. No officer and director shall be interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract relating to the operations conducted by the Association, nor in any contract for furnishing supplies thereto, unless expressly authorized by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE VI MEETINGS Section 1. The annual meeting of the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, Inc. shall be held the last Saturday in June of each year. Section 2. Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President, or Board of Directors or a written request of five property owners. Section 3. The Secretary shall send notice of the annual meeting to all members of the Association and property owners at least two weeks in advance. Section 4. The Secretary shall send notice of all other Association meetings to the membership and shall state the reason for such meeting. ARTICLE VII GENERAL Section 1. A quorum at any annual or special meeting shall consist of one-third of the membership of the Association. 4

5 Section 2. The fiscal year of the Association shall be from August 1 st to July 31 st. Section 3. The order of the business of the Association shall be as follows: A. Roll call B. The reading of the minutes of the last meeting C. Reports of Officers D. Treasurer s Report E. Unfinished business F. New business G. Election of Officers H. Adjournment Section 4. Robert s Revised Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of all business meetings of the Association. Section 5. The Board of Directors or Officers shall not contract or spend in excess of fifty dollars of the Association funds without approval of the Association. Section 6. Only members in good standing are entitled to vote. Section 7. In case of joint ownership of property only one vote will be accorded each annual dues. Section 8. Proxy votes are permissible. EXHIBIT A (KNOWN AS AMENDMENT A) 1. No building on any lot in the Subdivision and no building hereafter erected hereon shall be erected as or for, or used or occupied as or for, or rented as or for: the sale of liquor or other alcoholic beverages; a manufacturing establishment or any offensive or malodorous occupation or purpose or, for any purposes other than that of a private dwelling house. 2. Only one (1) dwelling house shall be hereafter erected on each lot in the C.E. Meyers and Pearl I. Meyers Plan of Lots, such dwelling house to be of substantial architecture and design, of a permanent nature and having a ground floor area of not less than seven hundred twenty (720) square feet excluding porches, garages, and attached utility rooms. 3. For the purpose of affording light and air and for the purpose of preserving uniformity of appearance of the entire Subdivision, no building, porch, piazza, garage, or any other addition or appendage thereto shall be hereafter erected within thirty (30) feet of the front boundary line of the lot, nor nearer than ten (10) feet to the property or lot line of an abutting property owner; and all such items constructed shall conform in all respects to the applicable zoning, building and other codes. 4. No garage erected or hereafter erected on any lot in the Subdivision may be used for any permanent dwelling purposes; other than temporarily (six months or less), while a dwelling house is under construction. 5. No trailer, or recreational vehicle, may be placed on any lot, for use as a dwelling, other than temporarily (six months or less), while a dwelling house is under construction. Each property owner having a permanent dwelling may 5

6 store no more than one (1) trailer, trailer is to be no larger than 8 ft. wide and 25 ft. in length, or recreational vehicle, belonging to said property owner, on his lot, provided such storage is done in a manner unobtrusive to the adjacent property owners. No mobile home may be placed on any lot at any time for any purpose whatsoever. 6. All residential buildings constructed upon each lot shall be connected to the lines of the North and South Shenango Sewer Authority, to the specifications of the said Authority and the Pennsylvania State Health Department. No outside toilets are permitted. 7. Grantors and their successors in title hereby reserve the privilege of laying water lines, drains or other conduits and poles and lines, for other electric and telephone service or near any rear or side boundary line of the herein described property in connection with the development of the property and shall have the right of ingress and egress for the purpose in connection therewith and the purchases shall have no right for damages or compensation by reason thereof. 8. The North and South Shenango Sewer Authority shall have the right to use Fairlawn Road, a private road in the Subdivision, for access to the Authority s pump station for routine maintenance purposes, providing the Authority honors its previous agreement to pay dues to the Sunset Knolls Recreation Association, and to plow the snow off the road each time it uses it. 9. All owners of lots in the C.E. Meyers and Pearl I. Meyers Subdivision of Lots agree that they, their heir and assigns forever, shall have charge of the roads and park in the Subdivision; and that each lot owner/member shall pay annual dues and assessments to the said Association, as may be fixed from time to time by a majority vote of the members of said Association, which dues and assessments are used for the maintenance of the roads and park in the Subdivision, and other purposes of the Association. Any lot owner failing to pay said dues and assessments within sixty (60) days of the date they are due and payable, hereby authorizes any attorney of any court of record in Pennsylvania to appear for him and confess a judgment placing a lien against him, for the amount of said dues and assessments, plus costs, a 10% penalty and reasonable attorney fees. Board of Directors The Board of Directors are comprised of the officers of the Association and four members-at-large from the membership. Officers, Senior and Junior Directors (members-at-large), and the Treasurer are elected by the Membership at the annual meeting. The Secretary is appointed by the President. All officers hold office for one year; members-at-large hold office for two years. Officers include the president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary. Note: Directors are elected to serve a two-year term. The first year he/she is considered a Junior Director, the second year of office he/she is considered a Senior Director. Two Senior Director positions are open for election each year at the annual membership meeting. The following is a Summary of the management by and duties of the officers based on the Constitution and By-Laws and current practice. 1. The general affairs of the Association are managed by the Board of Directors under the general provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws. 2. The Board of Directors has charge of the funds, policies and property for which they shall be responsible to the membership of the Association. 3. The President has general supervision of the affairs of the Association, under the direction of the Board of Directors. He/She presides at all meetings of the Association and acts as chairman of the Board of Directors. The President is an ex officio member of all committees. The President is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding the legal documents, minutes and correspondence of the Association. 4. The Vice-President presides at all meetings at which the President is absent. 5. The Treasurer collects all dues and pays all bills when approved by the Board of Directors. All checks/payments made on behalf of the Association require 2 signatures (Treasurer and President or Vice- President). The Treasurer is responsible for making an annual report to the Association at its annual meeting. The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding the financial records of the Association. The Treasurer also ensures that the financial records (books) are independently audited annually. 6

7 6. The Secretary issues meeting notices and records the proceedings of all meetings of the Membership and Board of Directors. The Secretary also works with the President to send out correspondence to members as needed. Note: The Board of Directors may spend up to $50 annually on non-emergency items without membership approval. However, in case of a road emergency which could cause injury or hinders access to members homes (downed tree across the road, broken pipe under the road), the Board may need to make the decision to expend the necessary funds to resolve the crisis. The Board is responsible for advising the membership of the situation. Election and Appointment of Directors and Officers: 1. The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of at least three members to prepare a slate with 2 nominations for each director and officer to be elected. 2. In addition, nominations may be made from the floor after the report of the Nominating Committee. 3. The election of directors and officers will be held at the annual meeting. 4. All officers shall be elected except the Secretary who will be appointed by the President. 5. Directors and officers shall take office at the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1, or immediately after election if election held after July In order that all terms do not terminate at the same time, two of the members-at-large (Directors) on the Board of Directors shall be elected each year Meetings The following guidelines pertain to conducting all Association annual, board and special meetings: A quorum at any annual or special meeting shall consist of one-third of the membership of the Association. Robert's Revised Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of all business meetings of the Association. Only members in good standing are entitled to vote. In case of joint ownership of property, only one vote will be accorded. Proxy votes are permissible. Annual Meeting of Association members: This meeting is held on the Saturday of the observed July 4th holiday each year.the Secretary is responsible for sending notice of the annual meeting to all members of the Association the week after the Memorial Day weekend each year. At the annual membership meeting, the order of business of the Association should proceed as stated in the Constitution and By-Laws: 1. Roll call 2. The reading of the minutes of the last meeting 3. Reports of Officers 4. Treasurer's report 5. Unfinished business 6. Election of offices 7. Adjournment Board of Directors Meetings: are held as needed. Attendees include the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Directors and Secretary. Decisions are made by majority vote. Special Meetings: of the Association may be called by the President, the Board of Directors, or a written request of five (5) property owners. General Information The following is provided as general information for Association members: 7

8 Building Setbacks From the North Shenango Township website: Front yard setbacks for homes are 50 feet from center of the road Side yard setbacks are 10 feel from the property line Rear yard setbacks are 20 feet from the property line Docks, Mooring Permits Dock spaces and mooring permits are handled by the Pymatuning State Park Office in Jamestown. Dog Ordinance North Shenango Township ordinances relating to dogs: All dogs must be on a leash. All dogs must be under control and may not be allowed to run at large. Dogs are personal property and owners are responsible for damages caused by their dog. Continuous dog barking may be reported as a complaint. Dues Distribution and Use Monies received for membership dues are designated for use by the Associations as follows. Funds are managed by the Treasurer, with the Board, and are based on our primary goal to maintain the roads and recreation area as well as other costs: 80% - All road and recreation area related costs 20% - Other costs which includes liability insurance, postal, legal, etc. Gates Gates providing access to Association members and guests only Pymatuning Lake and the Recreation area are located at the bottom of Oak,Clover and Fairlawn lanes. They are situated on the Association right-on-ways. New Construction, Additions, Decks, Pools and Spas For information on guidelines or building permits, contact the North Shenango Township Office. Private Property Rights The "Private Members and Guests Only" and "No Lake Access" signs at the top of Oark, Clover, Fairlawn and Apple Lanes proclaim Sunset Knolls Association roadways, recreation area, and lake access gate/lanes are PRIVATE PROPERTY and are to be used by members and their guests only. Mail, service and delivery vehicles are permitted on our roads, along with persons who are viewing available properties. Under Pennsylvania law, a person commits a crime of defiant trespass if he or she comes onto and stays on private property after being told not to. As an Association member and fellow owner of our roads and recreation area, if you see person(s) whom you do not recognize traversing the roadways or recreational area, you may politely ask them if they are members or guests of members, or if they are there for business purposes. If they are not, you may politely ask them to leave because they are on private property (if possible, you should have a witness present), If they do not leave, you may contact the State Police for assistance. 8

9 Recreation Area The recreation area is available to members, who are current in payment of their dues, and their guests only and is located between the lake front homes on Sunset Lane and the lake front. It starts at the back boundary of these homes and extends for 100 feet towards the lake, The land between the recreation area to the lake is Pymatuning State Park property. The Recreation Area has been maintained by the generosity of our neighbors who own the lakefront properties Signage Guidelines All signs to be posted on Association property such as roadway or gate signs must have Association approval. Recommendations for changes or additions to signage should be directed to the Board of Directors. Trailers and Recreational Vehicles No trailer or recreational vehicle may be placed on any lot, for use as a dwelling, other than temporarily (six months or less) while a dwelling is under construction. Each property owner having a permanent dwelling may store no more than one (1) trailer, trailer is to be no larger than 9 feet wide and 25 feet in length, or recreational vehicle, belonging to the said property owner, on his lot, provided such storage is done in a manner unobtrusive to the adjacent property owners. No mobile home may be placed on any lot at any time for any purpose whatsoever. 9